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Stuffed Calamari

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Tender whole calamari tubes filled with a savory mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spiced ground meat, simmered in a rich tomato sauce — a Mediterranean classic bursting with bold flavor and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 medium calamari tubes, cleaned
  • 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/4 cup white wine or water
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté onions until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, cinnamon, allspice, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and cooked rice. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Stuff each calamari tube with the filling, securing the open ends with toothpicks.
  5. For the sauce, sauté garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil. Add tomato puree, wine (or water), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Arrange stuffed calamari in a baking dish, pour sauce over the top, and cover with foil.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the squid is tender and the flavors are melded.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

  • Do not overfill calamari tubes to prevent bursting during baking.
  • Use lamb for a richer flavor or beef for a milder version.
  • Can be prepared ahead and baked before serving.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/stuffed-calamari/